I haven't done or checked my tapper adj yet, but am thinking of doing it. Is there anything I need to look out fit? Can it be done with the engine in situ, or do I have to remove heads/engine from frame. What special tools do I need and where can I get them from and how much. If it's a major job, I'll do it when it gets a bit warmer!! Ps has anyone used those hardened/non chromed rockers from America/ or what would you recommend. Thanks in advance.
Those US rockers are very expensive, they have been mentioned in previous posts. For your 996, if there are any chrome flaking issues, then Newman Cams come highly recommended. A note to the wise, change the half rings before making/taking any clearance measurements because of the pounding these take, just this change will sometimes bring the clearances back in to spec.
As above the valve collets often get smashed to pieces with use and can almost disintegrate into a type of dust (very small fragments). So check and renew first before adjusting the valves.
Thanks guys. I take it that these should be replaced with ducati items? Still no wiser about special tools and head/ engine removal????
You don't need to remove the heads or the engine although if you did access would be very easy but it is totally unnecessary, you work through the rocker access covers. As for special tools if you look at a parts manual for your bike you will see the relevant tools listed. After you can search around to see what you feel you need to buy, you can get a set of tools that helps measure the rocker gap from eBay.
I get by with no special tools and I've always serviced my own bike. Sometimes you just need a bit of creative thinking. Except for that big crank nut that seems to need the special tool and a lump hammer. Other than that it's just another bike really.
I like the MBP valve retainers, combined with Newman rockers. I always dreaded finding 'glitter' on the pickup filter and had to deal with 9 flaked rockers over the years, but since fitting this combination I've had none flake and only had to make one small adjustment to one valve clearance - fitted a 0.05mm smaller shim to one of my openers this week and even that wasn't strictly necessary as it was still within spec but I like to keep the clearances spot-on rather than just within tolerance. To the OP, checking valves with engine in the frame is OK, except for the rear exhaust valves which are a pig to see due to the frame - a PITA but doable and still easier than dropping the engine or removing the head. Take the cams out to do a proper job of checking the rockers.
